Yes Jon, I am having the 5 pin & 1/4 jacks side mounted. Like you, I wanted a clean top with as few things on it as possible, so I'm side mounting the jacks & I also eliminated the pickup selector switch. I would never use it & it was just one more thing to clutter up the top. I can get the same function by turning down the volume knobs. The long jack you see in the picture is the side mounted 1/4 jack, so the challenge was to place the other controls where they wouldn't hit the 1/4 jack inside the electronics cavity. Mica came up with this layout & I loved it!

On my series II I also have my sockets on the side and whilst it keeps the front clear of the cable it is more difficult to remove certain 5 pin sockets than others and I am concerned that the socket will eventually become loose in the bass.    I have two cables with this type of connector which are really difficult to remove and i feel that it is putting undue stress on the socket.  

 

  This type is fine and comes out of the socket easily so now I use this one on the S2 and the other on the S1.

  The difference may be manufacturing tolerances on the plug and the angle you need to get  your hand to pull out the cable. The front mounted socket is far easier to deal with.  I think if I was specifying a side mount socket I would have it mounted on a metal plate that would make it easier to pull it without stressing the socket. jazzyvee

Beautiful quilts!  This is going to be a great bass!

Jazzyvee, Mica told me that they are now extending the edge of the 5 pin socket just beyond the edge of the wood instead of flush with the wood like they have done in the past. I think that may make it easier to get the connector aligned when plugging it in. Not sure if it will help when removing the connector or not. I just ordered cable & the Neutrik connectors that Jimmy Johnson uses to build his cables, so I will build me a spare 5 pin cable, probably in a shorter length than the 20' cable that comes with the bass. Some of my gigs need the 20' cable, but some I'm never more than 10' away from my amp so a 10-12' cable would work & not have the excess on the floor to step over.

Here's the video I promised. Please do not take my lack of enthusiasm for disappointment in any way! Quite the contrary, I was SO blown away with the build so far that I was almost speechless! Jazzyvee, I gave you a shout out in the video for my source of info on the Europa since we have talked so many times & you answered all my questions I had trying to decide what electronics I wanted  other Europa related questions. S. Wood, I also gave kudos to your amazing blue Europa as the inspiration & reason I will now own one myself!
 
The video is on You Tube, but it is unlisted so you have to have this link to access it. Please let me know if there is any issue with it not playing.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9KohyBBgvo&feature=youtu.be

Very nice! Can't wait to see it with all of the Series II goodies installed. I saw a post about the CVQ center detent question.  Is that a possibility still?

Mica told me that it would be a 26 week wait to get the center indent CVQ & they didn't even tell her a price so I scrapped that idea. I will just learn to adjust the CVQ by ear the same way I did my SF-2, so it will be OK.

BTW Brian, I see this was you 1st post, welcome to the Club! I checked out some videos of your band on your website, y'all are amazing! You should post in the Introductions page & share your videos! The members here will love it!
 

Yo Rusty, Iv'e just watched the video, it looks great even without all the hardware installed. The knobbly head is a good call. Thanks for the credit too. :-)
 
Jazzyvee

Yo Rusty, Iv'e just watched the video, it looks great even without all the hardware installed. The knobbly head is a good call. Thanks for the credit too. :-)
 
Jazzyvee

Thanks Jazzyvee! I agree, I'm so glad I picked the Knobby! I've always loved the old school look of the Knobby but wasn't sure how it would look on the Europa, but I think it looks great! You're welcome for the credit, you were & continue to be a great source of info for the Europa!
 
Rusty

Hi Rusty,  Thanks for the warm welcome!  Watched the video again. That ebony neck laminate looks fantastic and the maple top looks stunning. Most certainly and amazing instrument. Peace and blessings.  
 
-Brian

Hey Brian, you're welcome for the welcome! LOL! The Ebony laminate is wider than the Vermillion laminates so I should get some great sustain & bottom end on this one!
 
Rusty

Hi Rusty, just saw your video. Love that quilt! Best wishes with your new treasure!
 
 
Rob

Thanks Rob!